Transporting a Bird

Birds must be kept warm and out of drafts at all times.  When it is necessary for us to see a bird in the winter months here are a few tips to tell the owners.  Always warm up the car up first.  Cover the cage or box with a blanket or towel when taking the bird from the house to the car and again from the car into our office.  It is often helpful to the doctor to see the cage the bird lives in and the droppings on the cage floor.  If the cage is small enough to be transported then bring the bird in his cage.  If the cage is too large a shoebox works wonders – poke a few holes in the top for breathing.  House calls are also available if more convenient for the client.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

When should a bird be brought in to be examined?

· Loss of appetite

· Weight loss

· Depression

· Weakness

· Diarrhea or unusual droppings

· Regurgitation

· Abdominal swelling

· Prolapsed cloaca

· Breathing difficulty = tail bobbing

· Coughing, sneezing, wheezing

· Favoring one leg or wing

· Signs of burns

· Bleeding or other trauma

· Loss of balance

· Seizures

· Paralysis

· Sitting on bottom of cage

· Perched but fluffed

· Feather plucking

 

What can I do at home?

· Keep the bird away from drafts and keep warm until coming in for appointment – cover cage and put a lit light bulb next to the cage or put a heating pad under the cage.

 

How often does my bird molt?

· 1 to 3 times a year

· Affected by nutrition, lighting, stress and disease

· Mature plumage comes in at 4th molt

· Head, neck and chest molt first

· Wings and tail molt last

 

Why do my bird’s droppings look different?

· Change in diet – fruit, veggies, medication

· Illness

· Stress

 

My bird laid an egg, what do I do?

· If she is the only bird in the cage it is not fertile and can be removed and discarded.

· If there are two or more birds in the cage it could be fertile. If you are not planning on breeding the bird take the egg out right away.  If you intend on breeding then a nesting box should be added to the cage.

 

 

My bird is going to have surgery do I have to withhold food and water?

· No, unless the bird is to have crop surgery then fast for 4 hours.

                                        

More on Birds

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